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The challenges of balancing creativity and organization in solopreneurship

BEFORE WE DIVE INTO THAT TOPIC, PLEASE BE REMINDED….

The big day is tomorrow!

On September 23rd from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM (Eastern Time) dial into results in your hands-on workshop: Turn Up the Flame Without Burning Out. We’ll dive deep into everything we’ve talked about and help you stop overthinking, craft a concrete plan, and stick to a schedule.

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NOW…meet my friend, the Scattered Scarlet. She’s usually organized, but when it comes to running her business, she sometimes feels lost—digging through old documents, searching for plans that don’t exist, and feeling like her business life isn’t as together as it should be. Maybe this sounds like you, or maybe you’re just curious about how to bring more focus into your business. Either way, you’re in the right place.

Start now to turn up the flame in your business without burning out with five tips that can help you go from scattered to streamlined, all while keeping the passion alive in your work.

1. Rest: The First Step to Reigniting Your Focus

The first tip might surprise you: rest. We’re not machines, and even though there are times when we need to push hard, rest is crucial to keeping your energy high over the long haul. Without rest, burnout is inevitable, and that’s the last thing you want when trying to build a business you love.

Make sure you take breaks, get enough sleep, and give yourself downtime to recharge. Ask yourself: What are the non-negotiables in your life that help you rest and recover?

2. Play in Moderation: A Double-Edged Sword

Play is important, but too much of it can be just as dangerous as too little. I’ve had clients who get so wrapped up in taking time for themselves—whether it’s walks on the beach or other relaxing activities—that they forget about their business goals. On the other hand, some solopreneurs play too little, and that’s when life becomes all work and no joy.

Find the balance that works for you. Ask yourself: Are you playing too much or not enough?

3. Movement: Fuel Your Mind and Body

Movement is essential—not just for your body but for your mind too. When we sit too long, our bodies produce cortisol, which can create stress and make it harder to focus. Experts recommend moving at least once an hour. Whether it’s stretching, walking, or just standing up for a bit, it helps keep your mind sharp.

What are you doing to stay active throughout your workday?

4. Organization: Planning for Success

Let’s talk about organization—something Scattered Scarlet struggles with. If you want to turn your scattered energy into productive energy, you need a plan. That means carving out time to set daily, weekly, and monthly goals that align with your bigger vision.

As simple as it sounds, creating time to plan is often the hardest step. It’s easy to get distracted by trying to please everyone else or tackle every little task. The key is efficiency and making intentional choices.

Ask yourself: Are you prioritizing the time to plan your success?

5. Focus: Small, Consistent Steps to Achieve Your Vision

Finally, focus is the secret sauce to turning your plans into reality. Consistency and small steps will get you much farther than grand, sweeping gestures. If you find yourself halfway through the year feeling exhausted or like you’ve lost track of your goals, it’s time to refocus.

Do you have a clear vision of what you want to achieve this year? If not, now’s the time to get clear on that vision and start working toward it.

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SO much more is on tap for tomorrow.

Join me TOMORROW  September 23rd from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM (Eastern Time) for an incredible, hands-on workshop: Turn Up the Flame Without Burning Out. We’ll dive deep into everything we’ve talked about and help you stop overthinking, craft a concrete plan, and stick to a schedule.

This is going to be the most comprehensive workshop I’ve ever put together, and I’d love to see you there. 

Hurry though—spots are limited, and they’re filling up fast!

Don’t believe me. Believe my clients.

See you there. https://bit.ly/BraveEntrepreneurWorkshop

Three soul-searching questions to build the discipline you crave

I often get asked, “How can I be more disciplined?” So today, we’re diving into three essential tips, which are really three crucial questions. Here’s a bonus tip to kick things off: The answers you’re seeking aren’t out there—they’re already inside you. My gift is helping you unlock them.

These three questions are designed to help you break through your discipline challenges. As you read, I encourage you to comment below, message me, or even find me on social media to share your answers. Let’s have a conversation!

Also, on September 23rd, I’m hosting a special two-hour workshop that’ll go even deeper into this topic. So if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work, join me for that session!

1. What Are the Voices in Your Mind and Body Saying to Disallow Discipline?

If you’re struggling with discipline, that likely means there’s a voice in your head telling you why you can’t. Maybe it’s saying, “I’m too busy,” “I’m too tired,” or “What if I succeed?” These are limiting beliefs that disallow discipline. Take a moment to think about the narratives playing out in your head and challenge them.

2. What Are You Doing Right Now for Your Own Happiness and Fulfillment?

When we think of discipline, we often associate it with hard work, nose-to-the-grindstone mentality. But what’s really missing in the background is joy. What are you doing for your own happiness? Sometimes, focusing on fulfillment is the key to unlocking the energy and discipline you need.

A great concept I came across from Vishen Lakhiani of Mindvalley is the idea of “Blissipline”—blending bliss and discipline. If you focus on your happiness, you’ll find that the discipline naturally follows.

For example, I recorded the video part of this article because it makes me happy. It doesn’t have to be complicated!

3. What Is Your Greatest Fear If You Do What You Say You Want to Do?

This might seem like a trick question, but fear often holds us back from discipline. The reptilian brain wants to protect us and keep us safe—sometimes from our own success. Ask yourself, What am I afraid of if I succeed? When you dig deep, you’ll likely find the root cause of your resistance to discipline.

Ready for More?

These three questions are just the beginning! Join me on September 23rd for the Bold Solopreneur Workshop—where we’ll dive deep into sticking to a schedule, making a plan, and building real momentum.

You won’t want to miss it! Spots are limited, so sign up today while you can!

I’d love to hear from you: What are your answers to these three questions? Comment below or message me privately. Let’s have a real conversation about how to unlock your discipline and achieve your greatest goals.

Until next time, stay bold!

p.s. When you fully participate in the BOLD ENTREPRENEUR workshop you too can have results like Heidi. It’s a journey AND you need to START (or level up!)

Freedom, Fun, and Fatigue

Trips. 

This topic came up because of a survey I did a while back. The survey asked:

“What’s getting in the way of you doing the things you truly want to do?

Then, *If you could be really bold, what would you do?* 

One respondent simply said: *I would take more trips.*

So, the reason I’m doing these videos, and offering these tips, is to address what you told me you wanted. If you haven’t taken the survey yet, it’s for you—so go ahead, it’s not too late!

Why More Trips?

Why might someone want to take more trips? You might be thinking, “Well, duh, Carol! Who wouldn’t want to take more trips?” And yes, that’s true for a lot of people, but maybe not for everyone. 

The person who responded to the survey didn’t elaborate on *why* they wanted to take more trips. For me, taking more trips often represents freedom. It’s that feeling of stepping out into the world, embracing new experiences, and that light, happy energy that travel can bring. It’s also an incredible act of self-love—like saying, “I’m worth it. I’m worthy. I’m living life fully.” After all, it’s not COVID times anymore, and we can finally move about again.

Maybe for you, taking more trips means something similar. Maybe it’s the thrill of adventure or the joy of having the wind in your hair. Whatever it means to you, I’d love to hear about it! Please reply to this email and share your thoughts on “trips” and what that means to you.

“The Balance”: When Is It Too Much?

Here’s where it gets interesting. While travel can make us feel free, fulfilled, and energized, it can also lead to exhaustion—especially if it disrupts the routines that keep us grounded and centered. Everyone has a different threshold for this. 

If you’re an extrovert, travel might fuel you with energy. You thrive on doing more, being out there, and connecting with new people. But if you’re more of an introvert, you might enjoy the trip but quickly find yourself yearning for the comfort of your hotel room—or even the solitude of home. And if you’re an ambivert, you probably fall somewhere in the middle.

Wherever you are on that spectrum, it’s important to ask yourself these key questions: *What gives me energy, and what drains it?*

For instance, maybe you love the idea of more trips, but traveling with family can feel overwhelming. Or maybe your trips are more relaxing, but you miss your regular self-care routines—like meditation, exercise, or even just eating the way you normally do. All of these disruptions can slowly chip away at your energy, even if the trips themselves seem fun.

The Key: Mindfulness and Boundaries

So, my message today is this: *Go ahead—take more trips, do more things—but stay mindful of how it’s affecting your energy*. Sometimes, the burnout is subtle, creeping up on you over time. That’s why it’s crucial to check in with yourself regularly.

And speaking of checking in—if you’re ready to dig a little deeper into this concept, I invite you to join us on September 9th for a community session with The Overachievers Club. We’ll be talking about boundaries—how to set them, how to maintain them, and how they can support what you say you truly want in life. This is especially important for us overachievers, who often need to remind ourselves to step back and recharge.

Sign up now and start feeling more balanced and energized in every area of your life. Don’t miss out!

No excuse to get up early and get moving? Think again.

It’s 5:00 AM. The alarm is blaring, and you’re probably thinking, “To be a successful entrepreneur, I have to be up at the crack of dawn, right?” We’re often told that success requires waking up early, grinding non-stop, and doing all the things just right. But today, I’m here to tell you that while hard work is important, the time you wake up isn’t the key to success.

Yes, there are days when you’ll need to hustle, and some of those days might start at 5:00 AM. But let’s talk about what really matters: doing what’s good for you, and setting the tone for your day with intention.

My journey from a 5AM riser

Believe it or not, I used to be a 5 AM person. Crazy, right? I almost forgot about it until my sister reminded me this past weekend with an old email from 2006—before I even became an entrepreneur. Back then, I had young children and a full-time job, so 5:00 AM was the only time I had to myself. And you know what? I loved it.

But here’s the thing—if you love getting up early and it works for you, then great! Keep doing it. But if you’re dragging yourself out of bed, thinking, “What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I just get up earlier?”—this message is for you.

It’s not about the time, it’s about the focus

The truth is, it’s not about what time you get up, but what you do with your time that matters. Whether you wake up at 5:00AM or 8:00AM, the most important thing is to start your day with focus and intention.

I’ve talked a lot about morning routines in the past few weeks, so I won’t dive into that too much today. But I do want to emphasize the importance of focusing on the right things throughout your day. And guess what? I’ve got an entire podcast episode attached to this blog that dives deep into the importance of focus and how to cultivate it, especially if you’re a spiritual entrepreneur who often feels all over the place.

Filling your tank in six essential categories

Your morning routine should be designed to fill your tank in six key areas, and these categories should be addressed throughout your week—even if not all in one day. Here they are:

1. Emotional: Do something that uplifts your spirit and brings you joy.
2. Practical: Handle the day-to-day tasks that keep your life running smoothly.
3. Physical: Move your body in a way that feels good and energizes you.
4. Mental: Engage your mind with something that stimulates or challenges you.
5. Social: Connect with others, even if it’s just a quick chat with a friend.
6. Spiritual: Spend time in quiet reflection, meditation, or whatever feeds your soul.

Think of your routine as a recipe—you can start with the basics and then add your own spices as you see fit.

Rest is essential too

And let’s not forget the importance of rest. If you’re not getting enough sleep, no amount of morning routine magic is going to help. Rest is real, and it’s crucial for your overall well-being. Don’t beat yourself up if you’re not a morning person—it’s okay to honor your natural rhythm, especially if you’re neurodiverse or have other unique challenges.

Let’s start a conversation

So, what time do you wake up? What time would you like to wake up? Hit reply and let me know! Remember, it’s not about the hour on the clock, but how you spend your hours that counts. I’d love to hear from you, and together, we can figure out the best routine for you. Until next time, take care, and don’t forget to rest! AND STOP “DOING IT ALL!” See the podcast in the “PS” below for more!

You are magic,

Carol

PS: Last week I was delighted to join Julie Foucht on her podcast #ArtOfFeminineBusiness  

We discussed The Big Entrepreneurial Mistake of Doing it All. Julie and I had a blast discussing: 

– The power of focus: It’s the key to transformation

– The importance of prioritization: A game-changer in business and life

– Evaluating your relationships: Understanding why you might feel stuck

– Taking ownership: Developing habits and behaviors to get unstuck

– Decision-making as a growth strategy

Listen in at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-big-entrepreneurial-mistake-of-doing-it-all/id1029092788?i=1000665855396 .

Then leave a comment on iTunes and let me know what your favorite moment was!!

Strategies for maintaining your focus and energy on what truly matters to you

Today, I’m diving into something a bit controversial—something I usually avoid. But I promised to address all the concerns brought forth by those who responded to my recent survey, so here we are. Let’s talk about the “election BS.”

Now, before we get too deep, let me remind you of the two questions from the survey. If you haven’t taken it yet, feel free to find an old post or just send me your answers—I’d love to hear from you.

The Survey Questions:

1. What exactly is getting in the way of making time? Whether it’s for self-care, effective marketing, fun, or any other priority, what’s stopping you from doing what you truly want to do?
2. If you could wave a magic wand and have that problem disappear, what bold action would you take? This is about you—how would you change yourself or your actions, not the world?

And here is the survey if you have not taken it! 2 min!

One response really stood out: “The election BS.” This response didn’t directly answer the second question, but it made clear that this person felt the election-related chaos was interfering with their ability to focus on what matters most. And that’s a valid concern.

Managing External Distractions:

If you’re feeling like outside circumstances—whether it’s elections, politics, the news, or even family dynamics—are affecting your ability to spend time on what truly matters, you’re not alone. It’s all too easy to get swept away by the noise.

For me, the solution has been to tune out. I don’t listen to the news. Sure, I still find out what’s going on—I’m not living under a rock. But by not constantly consuming news, I’ve found it much easier to keep my head clear and focus on my mission. 

When you stop paying attention to everything and everyone else, and instead listen to the quiet of your own mind, heart, and soul, something amazing happens. Your nervous system calms down, and you’re in a much better place to do your Great Work. We cannot answer our Calling if we cannot HEAR the voice!

The Impact of Inner Peace:

When you’re in the right place mentally and emotionally, you’re not only more capable of doing your Great Work, but you’re also a happier person. And happy people naturally spread positivity. They smile at their neighbors, they’re generous at events, and they contribute goodness to the world.

Everything we do affects someone else. If you want to make a difference—whether in the world, in politics, or in your own life—it starts with inner peace. I’m not saying don’t be an activist or don’t care about the world’s issues. I’m saying there’s a balance between being too externally focused and being apathetic.

Personally, I lean towards being more insular because I have Great Work to do. I can’t afford to get swept away by the turmoil of politics. I still vote, and I stand up for what I believe in, and I do it in a way that preserves my energy and peace of mind.

Reflection and Action:

Ask yourself:

1. What can I control?
2. What’s my energy level?
3. What really matters?

These questions can help you navigate the noise and stay focused on what truly matters. And one last tip: check in with yourself—are these external distractions just an excuse to avoid what really matters? Are they a way to stay distracted instead of dialing in on your goals/mission/calling?

I’d love to have a conversation with you about this. We’re all here to make a difference in some way, and my mission is to help you with yours. Please reach out to me—comment below, send me a message. The world needs you, and most importantly, you need you.

Peace out. Bye.

The river only flows in one direction

Let’s talk about making time for what truly matters. We need to prioritize what’s important right now. Recently, I conducted a survey, and now it’s time to dig into the responses and understand how we can all support each other. I’ll try to keep this succinct and focus on one or two key points that stood out.

One respondent mentioned being constantly busy doing things for everyone else, which gets in the way of self-care, marketing, and personal priorities. This person loves their family and spends a lot of time doing chores and helping their spouse, but struggles to find time for themselves. When asked what they would do if they had a magic wand, the answer was simple: have fun, do things for themselves, and focus on their business.

The solution isn’t all or nothing. Many people think it’s either full-on self-care or no self-care at all. They want balance. As a Libra, I don’t believe in perfect balance. Instead, I advocate for being off-balance on purpose. If you’re busy with tasks for others or struggling to find a balance between work and self-care, the key is to take small, specific steps.

For example, I recently shifted from vacation mode in July to planning mode in August. I like to assign themes to each month, week, and even day. If you’re an entrepreneur in the coaching, healing, or helping space, you might find August to be a slower month. Use this time to prepare for the fall. Start now so you’re not caught off guard when September arrives.

Remember, we are not robots. As perfectionists, we often think everything has to be perfect, but it doesn’t. Mercury retrograde can cause things to go awry, but that’s okay. Today is a new day. I have a specific morning routine with a handwritten checklist that I rewrite daily. This helps reinforce my goals and keeps me on track.

In summary, if you want to achieve more balance and stop doing everything for others, start loving yourself and doing things for your business. Take it easy and slow. Write down your tasks and check them off as you complete them. It’s okay if you don’t get everything done. Lean on others for support, and feel free to reach out to me. Even if you’re not a client yet, I have time this month to chat.

We just had our Wisdom Warriors session, now called the Overachievers Club, which is perfect for people-pleasing perfectionists who feel like underachievers. I love the new name and can’t wait for our next session on September 9th. In the meantime, let’s have a conversation. I have time this month to help you get ready for the fall. Don’t be caught sleeping at the wheel when Labor Day rolls around. Hit reply and we will make time, okay?

Peace out.